| History of Aspartame In 1965, James Schlatter, a researcher at the G.D. Searle pharmaceutical company, was doing research with amino acids, in an attempt tofind a treatment for stomach ulcers. Schlatter tasted this experimental compound when licking his fingers to turn the page of a book, and noticed the sweet taste. Schlatter had invented aspartame, which is 180-200 times sweeter than regular sugar (sucrose). In 1979, aspartame was introduced to the public after the FDA approved its use as a sweetener. Today, aspartame is used in over 5000 food products, and by over 200 million people worldwide. Aspartame was introduced to the public afterthe FDA approved it for use. Today, the most common products aspartame is used in as a sugar-substitute are diet sodas, other diet beverages, diet candies, diet puddings, pharmaceutical vitamins, and other low-calorie foods. Under the company name of "Nutrasweet" aspartame is marketed as an sugar-substitute sold in individual packets, marketed for use as a sweetener in beverages such as coffee, and tea. The History of Acesulfame K Acesulfame K is the most recent alternative sweetener to be approved by the FDA. It was invented by the Germans in the late 1960's. Currently, Acesulfame Potassium is approved for use in gum, powdered drink mixes (like Crystal Lite), soda, jello-type-desserts, pudding, baked goods, candy, and as a tabletop sweetener. Acesulfame K is 200 times sweeter than sucrose, is marketed under the name Sunnette, and has no calories. Previous Next Home |